c1 '58 engine replacement

**Joseph T.** · January 21, 2006, 07:19 PM

Re: c1 '58 engine replacement

Susan

Figure the dual quad set up alone is worth lets say $1500 or more..if it is a correct matching pair. When was the engine rebuilt? A quality long block rebuild another $2500 or more.

Others can quote you the block#, Head #'s, dates etc..
Sounds reasonable ..especially if complete and correct for your car.

What #'s are on the engine pad..is it a Corvette or passenger car engine?

The more casting #s and dates you can provide the better guidance you will get in return.

Good Luck

**Mark #28455** · January 21, 2006, 07:38 PM

post a pic of the pad here to check if restamp *NM*

**Dave Suesz** · January 21, 2006, 07:39 PM

Engine replacement

how do I confirm it is a 58 engine?
-Casting and date codes.

What should I pay for it? The owner wants $3200.00 for it.
-If it is what you describe, it is worth that even if it needs rebuilt. The intake and carbs could easily be worth over $1000.

Will it increase the value of my car?
-Yes, substantially. It will also be more fun to drive and show.

What is the 1965 283 chev engine with carter carb I now own worth? My engine is in excellent running order. How would I sell it?
-You need to sell in to someone who needs it.

Is the 1958 with a 283 with dual quads considered rare?
-Not exactly common, even at Corvette shows.

Any and all thoughts are welcome. I would have to pay to a mechanic to have the engines changed out - what is it worth in labour?
-Depends on a lot of factors, such as where you are, whether he uses "correct" detailing items, etc.

**Mark #28455** · January 21, 2006, 08:01 PM

notice how there aren't any negative ans.

I don't mean to "bust your chops" as I personally think it's great you're restoring your Corvette! But, I can't help but notice how so many members took PERSONAL offense to certain cars in recent weeks that had non-original engines in them (ie: 1967 435) yet none of those same people is accusing you of building a "fake", "clone", or any other of those derogatory terms as it is extremely unlikely this replacement engine is actually your car's long lost engine.

Like I said before, I am glad you're restoring your car but am also disappointed in how later cars are treated DIFFERENTLY.

Good luck,
Mark

**Rob Dame** · January 21, 2006, 10:22 PM

Re: notice how there aren't any negative ans.

Mark, I don't think anyone here takes personal offense if someone restores / restamps engine. After all this is the NCRS.What honest folks will find offensive is when an individual that knows otherwise willingly commits fraud by claiming it to be the original engine for that car.

**Mark #28455** · January 22, 2006, 02:05 AM

that's not what they said

Their logic was that even if you're honest and admit to it, some day you will either die or sell the car and somebody else will end up passing it off as all original. As I said before, I too believe the purpose of the NCRS is to restore these cars, but how do you "prove" the car should be "restored" as a dual quad car?

Just making the point that the straight axle cars seem to get a Mulligan on that one where the midyears and C3's get hammered by the stamp pad and "fake" police.
Mark

**Susan G.** · January 22, 2006, 10:23 AM

Re: c1 '58 engine replacement

Hi Joe thanks for the help. I am no mechanic so go easy on me. If I supply the vin number of my car do you know how to tell what kind of engine should be in it. Also what is a recast? My car came to me with no engine it was a 427 dragstrip car in its day. I have tried to make it look correct but this car is in no way a NCRS show car... I wish it was but has been built from corvette wrecks. Its a hard way to restore but it has been fun. If this engine is more correct than the 283 I now own it would be worth checking out. How do you know if the dual quads are a match? Here is the vin number for my car J588107408. If any one knows what engine this car came with let me know. Regards Susan

**Christopher R.** · January 22, 2006, 12:44 PM

Re: c1 '58 engine replacement

Why do you want to do this? You've got a perfectly good motor in your car. You state that your car is not an NCRS show/judged car. Then the motor you already have will suit your needs just fine.

Are you trying to get more NCRS judging points with this motor? Then, yes, it'll help some. How much depends. Check the Judging Guide. You need to decide if the cost is worth the points. Probably not. Maybe you can get the same or more points cheaper by doing something else.

Are you trying to increase the value of your car by passing this engine off as the one that was original to your car? Then, yes, if this engine is truly a 1958 Corvette engine with the right parts and the right casting and stamping numbers, the value of your car will be increased by a substantial number - much more than $3200. This is fraud, but it's a fraud in which most in the hobby complain and many engage. It's not very hard to do with a '58. But you do need to know what you're doing.

**Joseph T.** · January 22, 2006, 03:46 PM

Re: c1 '58 engine replacement

Susan..Build and enjoy your car..the way you want it. It is yours to enjoy.

If the engine in this former drag car is the wrong year or type and you have the opportunity to buy a correct replacement..and that fits your objective..and the price is reasonable to you..then feel good about doing it.

It is difficult to determine the original engine in Corvettes older than 67 that do not have a tank sticker..showing the original options.

My advice..would be to spend some time tracking the ownership of your car. Start with the person you bought it from and try to get the names and phone #'s of the previous owners. Also..send a letter to the DMV of the current and previous state that the car was titled in..asking for a title search all the way back to the MSO..manufacturer's statement of Origin.

At minimum the State DMV will send you a form to fill out and return with a small fee( $5.00 ) for the title search. Provide the DMV with as much information you can..like prvious title #'s, Liscense plate #'s etc. be persistant and start now..as it takes some time.

Once you are able to contact previous owners..have a set of questions written down..to ask them. Like when did you buy it and who did you buy it from. What engine was in the car at that time. Did you ever change the engine and if so what did you did with the old one.

According to the Corvette Birthday Calender and your VIN..your car was born about May 27th 1958. If you buy a replacement engine the casting date on the back of the engine should preceed May 27 1958 and should have a casting # typcically 3756519 or possibly 3737739.

Check the casting # and the casting date on the engine you are considering.

Many of these cars lived hard lives and some get resurrected!. A 57 airbox car just sold for over $200,000 that had a tough life..but someone took the time to resurrect it.

Take the time and do your homework..some cars are worth more than others because of color, engine etc..and it can be easy to put more into a car than it will resell for.

Contrary to the way it appears..I suspect more Corvette are sold for a loss than a gain.

Along the way you will meet some very interesting people!

Joe

**Bill Lynch** · January 23, 2006, 03:27 PM

Re: c1 '58 engine replacement

If you can get a correct replacement engine for your car you should do it now.

In the coming years, finding the right engines will become increasingly difficult - perhaps impossible.

Even if it isn't the original engine, a correct engine certainly adds value to the car.

c1 '58 engine replacement

c1 '58 engine replacement

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